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Functional Composite Materials for Environmental Applications
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Functional Composite Materials for Environmental Applications

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Advanced Composites".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 January 2024) | Viewed by 12925

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Briana Aguila-Ames

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Division of Natural Sciences, New College of Florida, Sarasota, FL, USA
Interests: environmental chemistry; porous materials; water purification; organic synthesis; water quality analysis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Functional materials have long been researched for various environmental applications, such as water purification, resource recovery, air purification, and gas storage, with many more uses possible. Commercially established materials have been well developed and are inexpensive; however, large quantities are typically needed and they lack the selectivity required for targeted applications. To move advanced materials forward, they need to be synthesized with a function-led design as reported by Andrew Cooper, nevertheless to be practically implemented over traditional technologies further work is required on the stability, resuability, and scalability. Composite materials are of great interest due to the ability to combine benefits from multiple facets to work in concert to reach said goals. Numerous approaches can be used when designing composite materials to increase selectivity, enhance recovery and reuse, and improve the robustness, to name a few. The design and synthesis of functional composite materials offers great potential in their future for environmental applications and to create next-generation solutions to current environmental issues.      

This Special Issue is a collection of current research in functional composite materials. Contributions were solicited from researchers working on the synthesis and environmental application of novel materials.

Dr. Briana Aguila-Ames
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • material synthesis
  • functional materials
  • environmental remediation
  • material applications
  • sustainable practices
  • composite materials

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 6428 KiB  
Article
Fine-Tuned Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite: Harnessing Copper(II)–Imidazole Complex for Enhanced Biological Responses and Balanced Photocatalytic Functionality
by Ganeshraja Ayyakannu Sundaram, Sowndarya Kumaravelu, Wei-Lung Tseng, Phuong V. Pham, Alagarsamy Santhana Krishna Kumar and Vairavel Parimelazhagan
Materials 2024, 17(4), 892; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17040892 - 15 Feb 2024
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2093
Abstract
In this study, the synthesis of biologically active copper(II) complex [Cu(im)2]Cl2 was achieved using a reported method. Subsequently, this copper(II) complex was strategically grafted onto graphene oxide, resulting in the formation of a nanocomposite denoted as copper(II)-complex-grafted graphene oxide (Cu-GO). [...] Read more.
In this study, the synthesis of biologically active copper(II) complex [Cu(im)2]Cl2 was achieved using a reported method. Subsequently, this copper(II) complex was strategically grafted onto graphene oxide, resulting in the formation of a nanocomposite denoted as copper(II)-complex-grafted graphene oxide (Cu-GO). The comprehensive characterization of Cu-GO was conducted through various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV–visible spectroscopy, emission spectra analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Copper K-edge X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) spectroscopy. The antibacterial efficacy of Cu-GO compounds was assessed using disk diffusion and microbroth dilution methods. Notably, the copper complex exhibited the highest effectiveness, showcasing a Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) value of 500 µL against Klebsiella bacteria. The antibacterial activities of all compounds were systematically screened, revealing the superior performance of the copper complex compared to standalone copper compounds. Expanding the scope of the investigation, we explored the antioxidant and anti-obesity activities of the copper complexes against Klebsiella organisms. The results underscore promising directions for the further exploration of the diverse health-related applications of these compounds. Moreover, the photocatalytic performance of the Cu-GO nanocomposite was evaluated under sunlight irradiation. Notably, the antioxidant and anti-obesity activities of Cu-GO, assessed in terms of percentage inhibition at a concentration of 200 mg/mL, exhibited values of 41% and 45%, respectively. Additionally, the Cu-GO composite exhibited exceptional efficacy, achieving a degradation efficiency of 74% for RhB under sunlight irradiation, surpassing both graphite and GO. These findings not only demonstrate enhanced biological activity, but also highlight a notable level of moderate photocatalytic performance. Such dual functionality underscores the potential versatility of Cu-GO nanocomposites across various applications, blending heightened biological efficacy with controlled photocatalysis. Our study offers valuable insights into the multifunctional attributes of copper(II)-complex-grafted graphene oxide nanocomposites, thereby paving the way for their broader utilization in diverse fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Composite Materials for Environmental Applications)
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16 pages, 6240 KiB  
Article
Efficient Reduction in Methylene Blue Using Palladium Nanoparticles Supported by Melamine-Based Polymer
by Nazeeha S. Alkayal, Manal Ibrahim, Nada Tashkandi and Maha M. Alotaibi
Materials 2023, 16(17), 5887; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16175887 - 28 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1386
Abstract
In this work, palladium nanoparticles, supported by polyaminals (Pd@PAN-NA), were synthesized via a reverse double solvent approach and used as a nano catalyst. The thermogravimetric and the elemental analysis revealed that the catalyst had good dispersity and improved thermal stability. The catalytic activity [...] Read more.
In this work, palladium nanoparticles, supported by polyaminals (Pd@PAN-NA), were synthesized via a reverse double solvent approach and used as a nano catalyst. The thermogravimetric and the elemental analysis revealed that the catalyst had good dispersity and improved thermal stability. The catalytic activity of the prepared Pd@PAN-NA catalyst was studied for a methylene blue chemical reaction in the presence of NaBH4 as a reducing agent. The effect of the catalyst dose, pH, and dye initial concentration were examined to optimize the chemical reduction conditions. The prepared catalyst Pd@PAN-NA removed 99.8% of methylene blue organic dye, indicating its potential effect for treating waste and contaminated water. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Composite Materials for Environmental Applications)
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15 pages, 4107 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Alkali Metals (Li, Na, and K) on Ni/CaO Dual-Functional Materials for Integrated CO2 Capture and Hydrogenation
by Yong Hu, Qian Xu, Yao Sheng, Xueguang Wang, Hongwei Cheng, Xingli Zou and Xionggang Lu
Materials 2023, 16(15), 5430; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16155430 - 2 Aug 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1907
Abstract
Ni/CaO, a low-cost dual-functional material (DFM), has been widely studied for integrated CO2 capture and hydrogenation. The core of this dual-functional material should possess both good CO2 capture–conversion performance and structural stability. Here, we synthesized Ni/CaO DFMs modified with alkali metals [...] Read more.
Ni/CaO, a low-cost dual-functional material (DFM), has been widely studied for integrated CO2 capture and hydrogenation. The core of this dual-functional material should possess both good CO2 capture–conversion performance and structural stability. Here, we synthesized Ni/CaO DFMs modified with alkali metals (Na, K, and Li) through a combination of precipitation and combustion methods. It was found that Na-modified Ni/CaO (Na-Ni/CaO) DFM offered stable CO2 capture–conversion activity over 20 cycles, with a high CO2 capture capacity of 10.8 mmol/g and a high CO2 conversion rate of 60.5% at the same temperature of 650 °C. The enhanced CO2 capture capacity was attributed to the improved surface basicity of Na-Ni/CaO. In addition, the incorporation of Na into DFMs had a favorable effect on the formation of double salts, which shorten the CO2 capture and release process and promoted DFM stability by hindering their aggregation and the sintering of DFMs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Composite Materials for Environmental Applications)
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16 pages, 3456 KiB  
Article
Production of Ceramics/Metal Oxide Nanofibers via Electrospinning: New Insights into the Photocatalytic and Bactericidal Mechanisms
by Jari S. Algethami, Touseef Amna, Laila S. Alqarni, Aisha A. Alshahrani, Mohsen A. M. Alhamami, Amal F. Seliem, Badria H. A. Al-Dhuwayin and M. Shamshi Hassan
Materials 2023, 16(14), 5148; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16145148 - 21 Jul 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1676
Abstract
Environmental pollution is steadily rising and is having a negative influence on all living things, especially human beings. The advancement of nanoscience in recent decades has provided potential to address this issue. Functional metal oxide nanoparticles/nanofibers have been having a pull-on effect in [...] Read more.
Environmental pollution is steadily rising and is having a negative influence on all living things, especially human beings. The advancement of nanoscience in recent decades has provided potential to address this issue. Functional metal oxide nanoparticles/nanofibers have been having a pull-on effect in the biological and environmental domains of nanobiotechnology. Current work, for the first time, is focusing on the electrospinning production of Zr0.5Sn0.5TiO3/SnO2 ceramic nanofibers that may be utilized to battle lethal infections swiftly and inexpensively. By using characterizations like XRD, FT–IR, FESEM, TEM, PL, and UV–Vis–DRS, the composition, structure, morphology, and optical absorption of samples were determined. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) approach was used to investigate the antibacterial activity. Notably, this research indicated that nanofibers exert antibacterial action against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria with a MIC of 25 µg/mL. Furthermore, negatively charged E. coli was drawn to positively charged metal ions of Zr0.5Sn0.5TiO3/SnO2, which showed a robust inhibitory effect against E. coli. It was interesting to discover that, compared to pure TiO2, Zr0.5Sn0.5TiO3/SnO2 nanofibers revealed increased photocatalytic activity and exceptional cyclability to the photodegradation of Rhodamine B. The composite completely degrades dye in 30 min with 100% efficacy and excellent (97%) reusability. The synergetic effects of Zr0.5Sn0.5TiO3 and SnO2 may be responsible for increased photocatalytic and bactericidal activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Composite Materials for Environmental Applications)
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17 pages, 6823 KiB  
Article
Bismuth Vanadate Decked Polyaniline Polymeric Nanocomposites: The Robust Photocatalytic Destruction of Microbial and Chemical Toxicants
by Jari S. Algethami, M. Shamshi Hassan, Touseef Amna, Laila S. Alqarni, Mohsen A. M. Alhamami and Amal F. Seliem
Materials 2023, 16(9), 3314; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16093314 - 23 Apr 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2023
Abstract
Functional materials have long been studied for a variety of environmental applications, resource rescue, and many other conceivable applications. The present study reports on the synthesis of bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) integrated polyaniline (PANI) using the hydrothermal method. The topology of BiVO [...] Read more.
Functional materials have long been studied for a variety of environmental applications, resource rescue, and many other conceivable applications. The present study reports on the synthesis of bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) integrated polyaniline (PANI) using the hydrothermal method. The topology of BiVO4 decked PANI catalysts was investigated by SEM and TEM. XRD, EDX, FT-IR, and antibacterial testing were used to examine the physicochemical and antibacterial properties of the samples, respectively. Microscopic images revealed that BiVO4@PANI are comprised of BiVO4 hollow cages made up of nanobeads that are uniformly dispersed across PANI tubes. The PL results confirm that the composite has the lowest electron-hole recombination compared to others samples. BiVO4@PANI composite photocatalysts demonstrated the maximum degradation efficiency compared to pure BiVO4 and PANI for rhodamine B dye. The probable antimicrobial and photocatalytic mechanisms of the BiVO4@PANI photocatalyst were proposed. The enhanced antibacterial and photocatalytic activity could be attributed to the high surface area and combined impact of PANI and BiVO4, which promoted the migration efficiency of photo-generated electron holes. These findings open up ways for the potential use of BiVO4@PANI in industries, environmental remediation, pharmaceutical and medical sectors. Nevertheless, biocompatibility for human tissues should be thoroughly examined to lead to future improvements in photocatalytic performance and increase antibacterial efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Composite Materials for Environmental Applications)
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15 pages, 5474 KiB  
Article
Fabrication of ZnWO4/Carbon Black Nanocomposites Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode for Enhanced Electrochemical Determination of Ciprofloxacin in Environmental Water Samples
by Kiruthika Mariappan, Saranvignesh Alagarsamy, Shen-Ming Chen and Subramanian Sakthinathan
Materials 2023, 16(2), 741; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16020741 - 12 Jan 2023
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3041
Abstract
The major problem facing humanity in the world right now is the sustainable provision of water and electricity. Therefore, it is essential to advance methods for the long-term elimination or removal of organic contaminants in the biosphere. Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is one of the [...] Read more.
The major problem facing humanity in the world right now is the sustainable provision of water and electricity. Therefore, it is essential to advance methods for the long-term elimination or removal of organic contaminants in the biosphere. Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is one of the most harmful pollutants affecting human health through improper industrial usage. In this study, a zinc tungsten oxide (ZnWO4) nanomaterial was prepared with a simple hydrothermal synthesis. The ZnWO4/Carbon black nanocomposites were fabricated for the determination of CIP. The nanocomposites were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersion X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Electrochemical studies were done using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry methods. Based on the electrode preparation, the electrochemical detection of CIP was carried out, producing exceptional electrocatalytic performance with a limit of detection of 0.02 μM and an excellent sensitivity of (1.71 μA μM−1 cm−2). In addition, the modified electrode displayed great selectivity and acceptable recoveries in an environmental water sample analysis for CIP detection of 97.6% to 99.2%. The technique demonstrated high sensitivity, selectivity, outstanding consistency, and promise for use in ciprofloxacin detection. Ciprofloxacin was discovered using this brand-new voltammetry technique in a water sample analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Composite Materials for Environmental Applications)
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